Calendar

New bridge triggers history exhibit

The Highland Bridge over Interstate 25 is the third of three bridges that extend the 16th Street Mall. When it opened to the public on December 16th, residents received a lesson in history as they crossed.

The 325-foot long bridge connects Highland to the Central Platte Valley and Lower Downtown. The other pedestrian bridges cross the South Platte River and the Consolidated Main Line railroad tracks behind Union Station.

Dr. Rebecca Hunt, Dr. Geoff Hunt, and other Highland residents did extensive research about the history of North Denver and created the North Denver History Exhibit. They prepared the exhibit to show the changes in the area and made it available at the unveiling of the Highland Bridge.“The fact that these residents and business owners will realize the unique and special role that their neighborhood plays in Denver and the potential for an even greater understanding and pride in their individual offerings, gives us all a sense of pride,” said Rebecca Hunt.

“Learning about history and sharing a current and spectacular event such as the opening of the Highland Bridge over I-25 gives people a sense of being more connected to each other and their environment,” said Kathryn Orion, Aide to Denver Councilwoman Judy Montero.

The exhibit is available for future use to neighborhood organizations, schools, and libraries as well as other institutions to learn more about North Denver’s amazing history. This is especially important as Denver moves closer to its 125th birthday celebration in 2008.

Strengthening Neighborhoods recently gave a grant to The North Denver History Exhibit to help pay for the research and to publicize the project at the unveiling of the Highlands Bridge.

Strengthening Neighborhoods is The Denver Foundation’s grass roots neighborhood development program. It provides small grants to resident groups in eight North Denver neighborhoods, Commerce City, and Original Aurora. For more information, visit www.denverfoundation.org or call LaDawn Sullivan at 303.300.1790.